Auburn, Ala. - Governor Robert Bentley on Tuesday announced SiO2 Medical Products is investing $90 million in a new facility in Auburn, adding up to 300 new jobs in Lee County.

Construction of the SiO2 Medical Products plant is currently underway at Auburn Technology Park West. SiO2 Medical Products will supply the medical industry with innovative products for the biological drugs industry. The company’s products and related processes are protected by 37 patents worldwide.

SiO2’s roots in Auburn date back to 1994.

“An essential part of creating new jobs is encouraging our existing companies to further their investments in this state,” Governor Bentley said. “SiO2 Medical Products is creating new opportunities in the form of additional well-paying jobs, and we appreciate their continued commitment to Alabama.”

“We offer a highly-skilled workforce with an excellent work ethic,” Governor Bentley added. “And we look forward to even more announcements from SiO2 in the future.”

Alabama Development Office Director Greg Canfield thanked the company for the confidence it has shown in the City of Auburn.

“This project has tremendous growth opportunities, and I anticipate future expansions of this company in Auburn,” Canfield said. “This is incredible news for the area.”

Auburn Mayor Bill Ham, Jr., thanked the company for the jobs created in Auburn.

“We are extremely proud that the company found in Auburn a place to assemble and grow a team that would lead to today’s announcement,” Mayor Ham said. “We are fortunate to have such a pioneering company creating jobs in Auburn. And we wouldn’t be here today without the support of Governor Bentley, House Speaker Mike Hubbard, and Retirement Systems of Alabama Chief Executive Officer Dr. David Bronner.”

“If the recession has taught us anything, it is that we must keep innovating and keep finding ways to create jobs,” Speaker Hubbard said. “I’m proud of the teamwork it took to make this project a reality and to bring so many high-tech, high-paying jobs to Lee County.”

The Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) has partnered with SiO2 Medical Products to bring this project to fruition.

“The RSA has worked on this project for two years, and the financing closed last week,” Dr. Bronner said. “We are very excited about the opportunity to partner with SiO2 Medical Products’ Chairman Bobby Abrams, Auburn Mayor Bill Ham, Auburn Economic Development Director Phillip Dunlap, Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard, and Governor Robert Bentley to expand the plant in Auburn.”

“The Company will revolutionize the delivery of certain medicines to patients on a global scale,” Dr. Bronner added. “The patented product represents a major breakthrough in healthcare. This project is one that will be recognized worldwide as the type of company Alabama needs to continue to recruit with its high-paying and stable jobs.”

Dr. Robert Pangborn, director of Research & Development for SiO2 Medical Products, said the announcement is the result of many years of hard work.

“Our research team developed the processes and the products for SiO2 Medical Products, and everyone in our organization can be extremely proud of this achievement,” Dr. Pangborn said. “The team effort between the RSA, the State of Alabama, and the City of Auburn, was instrumental in realizing the project here in Auburn. Together with Dr. Bronner and Mayor Ham, SiO2 Medical Products is looking forward to a bright future here in Auburn, Alabama.”